Water Quickfinder

What does "UIC" mean and what's the purpose of the UIC program?

"UIC" stands for "Underground Injection Control."
This is a program authorized by the Safe Drinking Water Act to protect
ground water, a.k.a. underground sources of drinking water (USDWs), by
regulating the disposal of waste fluids through underground injection
wells.

Where does the UIC program get its authority?

The UIC program is authorized by the Part C of the Safe Drinking Water
Act (SDWA), PL 93-523 and Amendments. The UIC program also draws authority
from the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), PL 94-580 and
Amendments, with respect to the underground disposal of hazardous wastes.
Regulations are published in Title 40 of the Code of Federal Regulations,
primarily in Parts 124 and 144-146.